“She would likely have been killed by a car had she stayed there,” Johnston told The Dodo. “If not killed by a car, she would have soon been sick due to disease such as parvo, distemper, blood parasites or mange — this is very common here.”

Johnston scooped Bella up and took her home with her, and ended up adopting Bella as her own.

Johnston, who was working in Thailand as an English teacher, started taking dogs into her home and giving them food, a safe place to sleep and proper veterinary care. She also tried to find homes for as many rescue dogs as she could, and many of her dogs have ended up being adopted by families in the U.S.

When she saw street dogs she couldn’t take home, she at least made sure they got food and any necessary vet care.

But the problem was overwhelming. While there are some great animal rescue groups in Thailand, as well as caring individuals, there weren't any large organizations helping dogs in Songkhla, according to Johnston. So she did as much as she could herself.

When people caught wind of the fact that she was rescuing dogs, people started dumping puppies at Johnston’s house.

“People here often take pictures of me and laugh, instead of offering a helping hand,” Johnston said. “Vets are not always the most helpful or responsible. People will ask for my help without offering any. So, on top of my actual job of rescuing and treating, I also have to deal with so many outside obstacles that just make my job even more difficult. But I’m determined and will never give up on these dogs or any other animal that needs my help.”

At the moment, Johnston is currently caring for 38 foster dogs in her own home, and she also cares for about 50 street dogs.

After spending six years rescuing dogs on a case-by-case basis, Johnston decided to officially start a rescue group called Thai Street Paws. Johnston hopes to someday build a clinic where she can offer sterilizations and other basic veterinary services.